Director of Corporate Partnerships

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Cincinnati, OH

Job Title: Director of Corporate Partnerships

Department: Corporate Partnerships

Reports To: Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships

Job Summary:

FC Cincinnati is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and results-driven sales professional to join our Corporate Partnerships team. This individual will be responsible for generating new partnership revenue through the sale of integrated sponsorship programs across FC Cincinnati, TQL Stadium, and other club-related assets.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a strong track record of prospecting, relationship development, consultative selling, and revenue generation. The role requires the ability to identify opportunities, build meaningful business relationships, develop customized solutions, and close new partnerships that drive value for both FC Cincinnati and our corporate partners.

What You'll Do:

• Generate new corporate partnership revenue through strategic prospecting and consultative selling
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects through networking, referrals, cold outreach, research, and business development initiatives
• Consistently achieve and exceed individual sales goals and departmental revenue objectives
• Develop customized proposals that leverage FC Cincinnati's full portfolio of partnership assets
• Conduct meetings and presentations with decision-makers across regional, national, and global organizations
• Understand each prospect's marketing objectives, business priorities, and measurement criteria to develop partnerships that deliver measurable value
• Lead contract negotiations while balancing partner objectives and club business goals
• Collaborate internally across departments to develop best-in-class partnership solutions
• Mentor and support the growth of other sales & partnership marketing teammates
• Represent the organization at major events, conferences, and brand-facing functions, serving as a thought leader and ambassador for FC Cincinnati's future vision
• Maintain accurate sales activity, forecasting, and pipeline management within CRM
• Participate in matchday hospitality, networking events, and league functions to support relationship development

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field
• 7+ years of successful partnership sales experience; sports and entertainment industry experience preferred
• Extensive network of industry, brand, and marketing agency connections
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite

What You'll Bring:

• Proven ability to generate new business and consistently exceed revenue goals
• Strong consultative selling and relationship-building skills
• Outstanding presentation and storytelling abilities
• Executive presence with confidence presenting to C-suite decision makers
• Excellent negotiation and closing skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication
• Ability to understand clients' business objectives and translate them into innovative partnership solutions
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
• Self-motivated with a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the club's schedule

Why You'll Love FCC:

• Generous paid time off and holiday time
• Option for one work from home day per week (by department and schedule)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k plan with company match
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Maternity & Paternity Leave and Family Building Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program and free subscription to the Calm App
• Discount off merchandise in the FCC team store
• Community volunteer opportunities
• Professional development and frequent team building opportunities
• Employee recognition programs and referral programs
• Opportunity for complimentary staff tickets to home FC Cincinnati matches

About FCC:

Founded in 2015, FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. After achieving significant growth and success in the United Soccer League, the team joined MLS in 2019. FCC won the 2023 Supporters' Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs for the second straight year. With a diverse ownership group with strong ties to Cincinnati, the club strives to unite the community both on and off the pitch through FCC Foundation, and its dedication to improving the lives of children through soccer and those in the West End Community. FC Cincinnati are committed to ongoing growth and recognizing the vital importance of company culture. The club's DNA code, created by the staff for the staff, is actively implemented every day. FCC have been recognized locally and nationally as one of Sports Business Journal's Best Places to Work in Sports 2023, named to the Honor List as one of "75 Great Sports Companies to Call Home."; on the Business Courier's Fast 55 as one of Greater Cincinnati's fastest growing private companies; and named to The Enquirer's Top Workplaces 2024.